Existing tyres on new wheels

[XQUIZT]

Hi guys/gals

Looking at getting a set of rims and swapping my existing tyres however reading all the info on offset, widths, lips etc I still can't get my head around will these fit or not.

Currently I have OEM 18" Detroits with tyres 225/40/18, car is sitting on VwR springs (approx 25mm lowered)... Looking at getting VMR 18" x 8.5 Matte Black, PCD 5 x 112, CB 57.1 ET 45.

Can I just swap my tyres across and will they fit on the car or will there be rubbing?

Thanks

Also what do you think of Matte Black 701 on CSG mk6? Couldn't find any pics on Google

[Dutch77]

Im pretty sure there is no problem on the 225/40s getting on there with a little stretch; you may want to consider going to 235s though. I'm sure the reisdent wheel experts can advise further.

When I was researching wheels I had similar issues, was keener to stick with 18 x 8 but from memory the VMRs all start at 8.5. Can I ask where you are looking at sourcing VMRs and roughly what dollars?

As for matte black 701s on CSG - yes, love that look. Do it.

[Martin]

The VMR wheels are wonderful but $$$

225 can be stretched over 9" rims so you are fine putting them on 8.5" rims

Rubbing is a different issue - the offset comes into it - you'll have to work that out

(Like Dutch77 I have a prefereance for 8" rims but they are rare)

[XQUIZT]

Thanks for the response guys.

Haven't firmed up where I'll get it from. Local Tyrepower can get them in & also seen on websites ranging $1300-$1800. Hoping to save $$ so would be great to use existing tyres..

I also like the Bronze >D

Now for the offset, can someone advise if they will rub?

Cheers
Louie

[Dutch77]

The US guys on golfmk6 and similar forums seem to suggest as long as you're not dropped to low there shouldn't be any issues - and they consider the VWR springs to not be a big drop (which is good because I'm still thinking of doing these as well).

Of course there is always at least a few who counter and say yes there could be some rub issues.

I think the biggest risk might be up front with the fender screw.. there is a heap of info available on how to delete this. I think a lot of the R guys do it, or don't have it in the first place.

Bronze could work, but I am still a massive fan of the black on grey look - whether it's the UG of the Rs, or the CSG on the GTIs.. or Martin's beastly Octavia which no doubt has another variation of grey.

[Martin]

Now for the offset, can someone advise if they will rub?

An ET42~ET45 offset will ensure you are fine on the shock side, don't know about the body side
(again, with 8" rims you would be fine, going to 8.5" wide rims puts you into marginal teritory)
Many in the USA are using ET35 which I can't understand - I think the rim will touch the shock - maybe they use spacers?

[Jarred]

Martin, with the same width wheel, et35 will sit 10mm further out from the shock than et 45.

[dylan8]

225/40/18 on a 8.5 is fine with most manufactures

[Martin]

Martin, with the same width wheel, et35 will sit 10mm further out from the shock than et 45.

Yes - that's logical

I've discovered that heaps of the internet web pages with wheel offset calculators are broken - they are returning very dodgy results
This is what has me all confused - oh well - back to the drawing board - lol

[dylan8]

Yes - that's logical

I've discovered that heaps of the internet web pages with wheel offset calculators are broken - they are returning very dodgy results
This is what has me all confused - oh well - back to the drawing board - lol

1010TIRES.COM - Wheel Offset Calculator
This one is the best for offset and widths.
Even some of the more advanced ones that do stretch etc give the correct results, but can give very confusing answers.

[Dutch77]

Did you end up going down this route? If so, how did it end up?

I'm still toying with a few options for my car. I'm keen on the VMR 710 look, but as above these are 8.5 wide, ET 45. I can't seem to find a definitive answer on whether there will be rub issues or not once lowered (VWR springs, 25mm drop). I would be looking to use the same 225/40/18 tyres I have with the Detroits now (x 7.5 wide, ET 51).

The calculators spit out 7mm less inner clearance, extra 19mm on the outside, which by the sounds of it is where the issue may lie.

Or, as I debated on a separate wheels thread, do I forget lowering and leave it with stock GTI suspension and accept there is some wheel gap there. I understand that the above wheel fitment is unlikely to cause any issues at stock height.

Alternately I can leave the stock Detroits and just do the drop, I don't mind that look either. I could always upgrade wheels later if I wanted and look at 7.5 or 8 wheels (eg. OZ Superturismo LM comes in 18 x 8 ET48, resulting in 3mm less inner and extra 9mm on outside).

Another OEM look would be picking up a set of black Talladegas from the R, but wasn't really looking to go to 19s at this point.

Any advice or comments welcome.

Managed to find a red mk6 with 710s, probably at stock height, and a side profile of the GTCs at stock height, as below. It's not sooooo bad, and I guess stock ride is maintained..

[dylan8]

225/40 on a 8.5et45 is fine on a mk5 so id imagine it will be the same on a mk6
Keep in mind there is a few on here with 18x9et35 all round, they are slammed and dont have massive rub issues

[Dutch77]

Thanks mate.. buggered if I can find the page now (pretty sure it was a vwgolf.net.au link) but there was a nice summary that said x8.5 et45 on stock no probs, lowered should be ok, add in 235 rubber and then may need to consider camber/guard rolling etc.

Part of me thinks I'll gamble it, the other part of me says to save some pennies and look at the BBS CH in black, the OZ Ultraleggera in black, or the OZ Superturismo in black or graphite.. they're all x8 wheels. Do like the BBS, just not sure I love the polished lip.. although it does help give the black wheel some definition.

Or I will probably spend another six months changing my mind.

[Martin]

I think both those photos look great

You would only need to drop it ~20mm and she would be perfect

[Dutch77]

I think both those photos look great

You would only need to drop it ~20mm and she would be perfect

It's the 20mm drop that worries me.. seems a mixed bag as to whether there would be rub or not. I am guessing if it's minor it can be solved with guard rolling or similar, but really do not want to head down that path.

Managed to locate a red GTI with the BBS CHs on, albeit I would want the normal centre cap, not red.